North Carolina's Outer Banks: The Perfect Place For a Family Vacation or a “Notebook"-Style Romantic Getaway
Curated By
Candice Wilmuth
Curator’s statement
North Carolina's Outer Banks offers the best of both worlds: This iconic beach destination is also full of history and beauty, providing a mix of group and family travel options as well as romantic outings. The long beach boasts soft sand, tall reeds, rolling dunes, gorgeous sunrises, and even crabs popping out of the sand as you walk by. We spent a week there in June 2025, alternating between family time and couple time. Most days we'd start out at the beach with the crew, but then my boyfriend and I would get the itch to do some exploring. There were so many options close by, from water activities to historic sites to North Carolina's famous vinegar-based barbecue. The Outer Banks (OBX) is a one-hour-and-45-minute drive from Norfolk airport, and is the perfect beach vacay for a family, couple, or group of friends. Book your week-long visit today!
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Things to do in the Outer Banks
Currituck Banks Maritime Forest trailhead
Take in Virginia and North Carolina history while driving to OBX: The waterways are beautiful (think The Notebook), but the history of this region is just as impressive. Check out the Historic Jarvisburg Colored School and the Wright Brothers National Memorial if you’d like to add some culture to your vacation.
Sunrise over the sand dunes: Since OBX is a long north-south peninsula, most lodging will offer a beautiful view of the Atlantic Ocean. Do not miss watching the sunrise to a soundtrack of waves, birds, and wind through the reeds.
Pack up for a beach day: I know I’m always tired from traveling, so my first day in OBX typically consists of a family day under the Shibumi Shade (the local tent-like contraption that is perfect for the North Carolina sun and wind). Rent gear from FarmDog Beach Services, grab your ice chest and drinks, and post up for a day of playing in the surf, people watching, and walking to the pier. Just don't step on any crabs…they’re everywhere!
Walk the Duck boardwalk: The town of Duck boasts a mile-long boardwalk along the western side of the OBX peninsula. One evening, be sure to grab a to-go beverage and your significant other for a romantic, sonorous walk along the Currituck Sound.
Explore historic Corolla: In northern OBX, there are a handful of lovely historic spots to explore, including the Currituck Beach Lighthouse and the Whalehead Club (where you can take a local history tour!). After your lesson, grab a meal at Corolla Village BBQ and / or a drink at the Corolla Beer Garden.
Get your steps in: Visit the Currituck Banks Maritime Forest Trail (1.5 miles out and back), where you can learn about the local bird hunting history, and then walk out to the drive-along beach, which starts right near Corolla Beach. Do not expect to drive this beach yourself, unless you have the right tires and pressure—do not come unprepared. Also, if you’re lucky, you could see wild horses along the sand! Another option for some light exercise (walking or paddling) is the Pine Island Audubon Sanctuary.
Go out on the water: If you want to do more than play in the surf, it is easy to rent kayaks for a morning on the Sound (I recommend North Duck Watersports). You could also go out on an early morning “catch & release” fishing excursion with a local fisherman.
Places to eat & drink in the Outer Banks
Paper Canoe restaurant
Paper Canoe: Immediately add this restaurant to your itinerary, and immediately get a reservation (ideally for one hour before sunset). It is located in an old home on the Sound, so is cozy and romantic. Final tip is to order all the seafood you can: We loved the local fish, shrimp and grits, and crab dip.
NC Coast: Coast is a great date night spot and the best choice is to split “the platter.” Just note that there are no reservations taken.
Corolla Village Barbecue: Though they have a very small menu, this is the best barbecue in the area and you can mix and match your side dishes. It is also accessible to some local history if you want to take a little walk after your meal.
Boil local blue crabs: Pick up a huge batch of local blue crabs from Food Lion and boil them for dinner (pro tip: ball up aluminum foil to help them cook evenly).
Tullio's Bakery: Grab a handful of pastries from Tullio’s as an easy option for a quiet morning at your beach house or hotel suite.
Pizzazz Pizza of Duck: This is really the only pizza spot in town (and it delivers), making it an easy family dinner after a long day at the beach. Fun fact: My boyfriend worked here in high school!
The Village Table & Tavern: I haven't tried this place yet, but the location looks great. It'll be on my list for next summer!
Need to know
The Outer Banks boasts large beach houses (around 5 bedrooms), so visiting as a group can work well. You can also just get a hotel room and make it a romantic vacation for two. The location is perfect for both options. If you do get a beach house, plan to be there for a week, as that's how most rentals work. Finally, be aware that most folks check in and check out on Sundays (and some on Saturdays), and the road is just two lanes. Traffic can be bad on those days, so plan travel accordingly.
Travel Advisor
Candice Wilmuth
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